- An exhortation or description meaning to be authentic, genuine, honest, and true to oneself or the situation.
- It encourages avoiding pretense, superficiality, or selling out.
- Often used as a sign-off or piece of advice.
Explanation
Origin
- Became prominent in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained widespread popularity through hip-hop culture starting in the late 1980s and 1990s.
- It emphasizes authenticity, integrity, and staying grounded in one's roots or reality, often in contrast to perceived fakeness in society or media.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (often rooted in AAVE/Hip-Hop):
- Keep it 100. (Emphasizes complete honesty/authenticity)
- Stay true. (Similar meaning)
- Word. / Word up. (Can function as an acknowledgement or agreement, carrying a similar authentic vibe)
- Respect. (Can be used as a sign-off implying acknowledgement of realness)
- No cap. (Modern slang meaning 'no lie' or 'for real', emphasizing truthfulness)
- Real talk. (Preface indicating honesty/seriousness is coming)
Milder/Standard:
- Be yourself.
- Stay genuine.
- Be honest with yourself and others.
- Take care. (Common farewell, less specific)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Strongly associated with casual conversation and cultural contexts influenced by AAVE and hip-hop.
- Can sound awkward, out of place, or like trying too hard if used in formal settings or by individuals perceived as being outside the cultural context without genuine understanding. Authenticity of usage matters.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could be taken literally if the listener is unfamiliar with the idiom (Keep what object real?).
- More significantly, using it without understanding its cultural roots and connotations can lead to social awkwardness or be perceived as inauthentic appropriation.
Examples
- As farewell: Alright man, good talking to you. Keep it real.
- Describing character: Despite her fame, she always keeps it real with her fans.
- Describing expression: His lyrics are raw because he keeps it real about life in the city.
Dialogue
Friend 1: Okay, I gotta bounce. Got work early tomorrow.
Friend 2: Alright, bro. Take it easy.
Friend 1: You too. Keep it real.
Friend 2: Always. Peace.
Social Media Examples
- Twitter Bio: Just trying to navigate life and keep it real. Writer | Dreamer | Coffee Addict #KeepItReal #Authentic
- End of YouTube video: Thanks for watching, fam! Don't forget to like and subscribe. Until next time, keep it real.
- Instagram post caption: Appreciate friends who keep it real, no matter what. Surround yourself with authenticity.💯 #realfriends #nofakezone
Response Patterns
- To farewell: You too. / Alright. / Will do. / Peace. / A nod of agreement.
- To description: Agreement (Yeah, totally.) or further discussion about the person's authenticity.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After Keep it real as a farewell:
- Usually none; it serves as a closing statement.
When used descriptively (She keeps it real):
- Someone might ask How so? or What do you mean by that?
- Share examples supporting the statement.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically a concluding remark, advice, or a description of character.
Intonation
- Often said with a cool, sincere, or earnest tone.
- Stress usually falls on real. Keep it REAL.
- Can have a slightly falling, conclusive intonation when used as a farewell.
Generation Differences
- Most recognized and used by Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, particularly those influenced by hip-hop culture.
- Older generations might understand it but are less likely to use it naturally.
Regional Variations
- Originated in the US within AAVE but has spread globally through music and media. Frequency and nuance of use can vary.